On Feb 1, 2013, an invite went out to the members of Kappa Sigma, a fraternity at Duke University in North Carolina. “Herro Nice Duke Peopre,” it began, affecting a stereotypical Asian dialect. The invite was for a party with the theme “Asia Prime.” Guests–mostly Caucasian students–were encouraged to wear conical hats, geisha outfits, and fake sumo costumes.

After a report was filed with the university’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the name of the party was changed to “International Relations,” but the offensive content remained. The party-goers exploited and mocked every offensive Asian stereotype imaginable. Once news of the event got out, the school’s Asian American Alliance organized a protest, alleging widespread anti-Asian prejudice on campus.

Officials at Duke have suspended the fraternity, but this is not enough. Kappa Sigma has faced sanctions before: in 2002 the fraternity chapter went on hiatus after the Interfraternity Council (IFC) threatened sanctions for multiple policy violations. It wasn’t until last year that Duke reinstated Kappa Sigma and already they have conducted themselves in a spectacularly offensive manner that disrespects their fellow students, the wider Asian-American community, and decent people everywhere.

It’s time for this frat to go, permanently. Signing this petition means that you stand with the Asian American Alliance of Duke University and support holding Kappa Sigma fraternity members accountable for their tasteless, offensive actions. Urge Duke University to dissolve the fraternity chapter now!

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Richard Brodhead,

As you are no doubt aware, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity chapter at your school has become embroiled in a mess of its own creation. Last week they held a party called “Asia Prime” (aka “International Relations”) where they extensively mocked racist imagery and stereotypes. This spectacularly offensive behavior disrespects their fellow students, the wider Asian-American community, and decent people everywhere.

As the president of Duke University, you are responsible for the well-being of all your students not to mention the public image of your university. I cannot imagine this is how you want people to think of Duke nor how you want your Asian-American students to feel about their school. I urge you to hold the fraternity members accountable for their racist actions and dissolve Kappa Sigma immediately.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

(photo of Duke University by BlueDog423, taken from Wikimedia Commons)

Sign the Petition

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Address

Street AddressCityState / Province / RegionZIP / Postal CodeCountry

Share on Facebook

Only your name will be displayed. By signing, you accept our terms and may receive updates on this and related causes.